2010 WI Senate Debates: on Budget & Economy

Russell Feingold: Balanced budgets with Clinton; stood up to deficit with Bush

Feingold attacked what he called Johnson's lack of specific plans and his avoiding the questions. Johnson noted that over Feingold's 18-year Senate career, however, the deficit has gone from $4 trillion to $14 trillion, referencing his most recent television ad.

"Everybody know that when Bill Clinton was president we worked together, we completely balanced the budget. I took very tough votes," Feingold shot back. "And then I stood up to the deficit spending of the Bush administration. Your ad is absolutely dishonest, Ron."

In his closing statement, Johnson said he could bring a fresh, business world discipline to Washington to fix the deficit. Feingold emphasized his experience and reputation for fiscal responsibility.

Russell Feingold: 41-point plan to help control federal spending

Feingold said he himself offered specifics, for example a 41-point plan to help control federal spending. Johnson said the plan would cut $25 billion per year at a time when the deficit is $1,400 billion.

Russell Feingold: 41-point plan to help control federal spending

Feingold shot back that at least he's providing a plan, whereas his opponent hadn't done that.

Later Johnson referred to a larger cost-cutting plan that Feingold put forth when he first entered office, and said the federal debt increased $10 trillion since that time. "Your plans didn't work, Sen. Feingold," Johnson said.

Ron Johnson: $184B stimulus drove the country deeper into debt